Sign up to save your podcasts
Or
Share How to Decide What to Keep vs. Discard: 7 Proven Minimalist Tests That Work
Share to email
Share to Facebook
Share to X
Share to email
Share to Facebook
Share to X
Or
How to Decide What to Keep vs. Discard: 7 Proven Minimalist Tests That Work
Decluttering paralysis hits everyone—"But what if I need it later?" These science-backed criteria cut through doubt, freeing space and mind. Welcome to Minimalist Living Journey. Master the art of letting go with simple rules.
Spark Joy Test (Marie Kondo): Hold each item—does it ignite happiness? Body reacts intuitively; keep only joy-sparkers. Discard neutral/negative energy thieves. Simplest, most accurate filter.
One-Year Rule: Haven't used it in 12 months? Gone. Applies to clothes, gadgets, tools. 90% "just in case" items never return—data confirms.
Solve Real Problems Test: Does it fix a specific need? Functional now, fits perfectly, used regularly? Keep. "Maybe someday" fails.
30-Day Box Challenge: Unsure? Box it, label "Review [date +30 days]." Unopened at deadline? Donate. Removes emotion, forces truth.
One-In, One-Out Principle: New item enters? Equivalent exits. Prevents rebound clutter, maintains balance effortlessly.
Limited Space Method: Assign fixed containers per category (one shelf books, one drawer socks). Overflow? Prioritize ruthlessly—fills force decisions.
Sentimental Last: Categorize KonMari Style. Clothes → Books → Papers → Komono (misc) → Sentimentals. Seeing abundance first eases emotional attachments.
Apply one drawer today—watch anxiety melt, clarity emerge. True keepers: utility + joy = peace.
Join Minimalist Living Journey. Subscribe, share declutter wins, connect with liberators. Decide boldly, live lightly.
minimalism,decluttering,keep discard rules,marie kondo,spark joy,one year rule,box challenge,decision framework,space optimization,clutter free
View all episodes
By Vera BernalDecluttering paralysis hits everyone—"But what if I need it later?" These science-backed criteria cut through doubt, freeing space and mind. Welcome to Minimalist Living Journey. Master the art of letting go with simple rules.
Spark Joy Test (Marie Kondo): Hold each item—does it ignite happiness? Body reacts intuitively; keep only joy-sparkers. Discard neutral/negative energy thieves. Simplest, most accurate filter.
One-Year Rule: Haven't used it in 12 months? Gone. Applies to clothes, gadgets, tools. 90% "just in case" items never return—data confirms.
Solve Real Problems Test: Does it fix a specific need? Functional now, fits perfectly, used regularly? Keep. "Maybe someday" fails.
30-Day Box Challenge: Unsure? Box it, label "Review [date +30 days]." Unopened at deadline? Donate. Removes emotion, forces truth.
One-In, One-Out Principle: New item enters? Equivalent exits. Prevents rebound clutter, maintains balance effortlessly.
Limited Space Method: Assign fixed containers per category (one shelf books, one drawer socks). Overflow? Prioritize ruthlessly—fills force decisions.
Sentimental Last: Categorize KonMari Style. Clothes → Books → Papers → Komono (misc) → Sentimentals. Seeing abundance first eases emotional attachments.
Apply one drawer today—watch anxiety melt, clarity emerge. True keepers: utility + joy = peace.
Join Minimalist Living Journey. Subscribe, share declutter wins, connect with liberators. Decide boldly, live lightly.
minimalism,decluttering,keep discard rules,marie kondo,spark joy,one year rule,box challenge,decision framework,space optimization,clutter free